What Are the most Common Asian Eyelid Surgery Complications?

Question

Of these complications with Asian eyelid surgery, how often is a follow-up surgery needed later on? How can someone reduce the risk of that complication?

Julian De Silva, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Complications which can arise from any blepharoplasty are generally rare, the most serious complications are related to surgical technique and many risk factors can be reduced. Complications can include multiple creases, scarring, hollowness and rarely lid retraction, damage to vision or eye movements. Asymmetry in Asian eyelid surgery is a common risk stemming from asymmetry of the orbicularis muscle, which may prolong swelling. When selecting an eyelid surgeon it is important to discuss realistic expectations from surgery, choose one who has a low revision rate and carefully assesses your needs vs realistic expectations. Good luck!

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

A certain degree of asymetry can be expected with any eyelid surgery. This is the most common concern with double eyelid surgery as well. Often the upper eyelid fold will appear slightly higher on one side than the other and this can fluctuate with post operative swelling. This usually settles with time . Revision surgery can be necessary but is not the norm. The best way to reduce the risk is to choose an experienced double eyelid surgeon.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

The most common undesired result is unevenness of the two eyes. This is usually caused by slight asymmetry of the eyelid-opening muscle which can be quite subtle to detect. Frequently it will even out over time but can be disconcerting in the immediate post operative period.

	Unnatural crease shape is usually a function of surgeon familiarity with the procedure. Also, visible scarring, frequently seen in smokers (tobacco or otherwise) or uneven stepoff on either side of the incision, which is technique-specific (the more secure the fold type, the more likely you will note the crease). Prolonged swelling can also occur, most commonly in smokers but also occurring in patients with thick skin or abundant fat. 

	The usual risks of surgery of course are always present, but not very common.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

The complications of this procedure are near identical to the complications of any eyelid surgery and certainly can be easily referenced online. I am forced to disagree with the physician who posted just before me. If you were my relative, I would strongly urge you to see an oculofacial plastic surgery for this procedure over a general plastic surgeon any day of the week. For a list of well trained oculofacial surgeons, refer to the website directory for ASOPRS.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

The most common complication are asymmetric eyelid folds, multiple creases, loss of crease, scarring, damage to the muscle that opens the eye, etc. Asymmetry is very common. Prevention is the key and getting it right the first time is paramount. Follow up surgery should not be common after this procedure. You should find a surgeon that has a low revision rate in the area of 5% or less. This is not common though. You want a doctor to listen to your needs, this is perhaps the most important.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Complication of the double lid surgery

	Infection, rare

	Bleeding, rare

	Bruising

	Swelling, long term

	Lid crease too high, too low, incomplete

	Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

	Discuss your desires and concerns and the risks. The need for further surgery, cost.

What Are the most Common Asian Eyelid Surgery Complications?

Answers (6)